Sunflower seeds botanical name is Helianthus annuus. In English, it is called sunflower. It belongs to the family Asteraceae. Its evidence was found in Mexico from 26 BC. Harvested plants’ flower turns its head towards the sun and in the night it again turns its head towards the east. In the 18th-century sunflower oil had been used in Europe. In Germany, its bun is liked very much. Sunflower butter is made like a peanut. Its oil is used as an iodene. In some areas, these plants are germinating in gardens as an elegance. This plant absorbs toxic minerals like uranium, cesium, etc. It has nearly 136 kinds. This plant is abundantly found in Russia, America, China, India, and Turkey. Sunflower seed is a significant source of fiber, protein, iron, vitamin E, B, magnesium, potassium, phosphorus, calcium, and zinc like dietary. It contains cholesterol-reducing phytosterol components. Saturated oil gets from pollen.
According to doctors, sunflower seed possesses magical characteristics and it has a useful effect on health. It is the best remedy for depression, stress, skin, heart, cancer, and so many hazardous diseases.
Health experts say that add sunflower seeds to breakfast can convert to energetic nutrients because these seeds are rich in vitamin E and antioxidant components. A 1/4 cup serving of sunflower seeds provides (in value recommended);6 grams of proteins and 4 grams of fibers which is essential for a lively life.
The existence of vitamin E in sunflower seeds maintains skin elegance and as well as reduces body swelling. While on the other hand, it strengthens the heart because it contains useful fibers. Existing of selenium in seed stops spreading cancer in the body. Sunflower seeds bring confutation DNA on a right track and protect the body from toxic components. Sunflower seeds are rich in magnesium which perish depression and irritation.
It is anti-inflammatory, lower oxidative stress, and tiresome. It is preaching down, urinating, producing milk, reducing fats in a body, nutrias, and releasing mucus. It reduces depression because of tryptophan. Serotonin lowers depression and anxiety. It enlarges the immunity system.
*It protects cells from free radical noxiousness and helps to heal frequently wounds and inflammation.
*Sunflower seeds are useful for headache, cough, and protects from coldness. It provides energy.
*Generating DNA and RNA. Its seeds are light heated and used as a decoction. It is profitable for dry cough (whooping cough).
*It reduces hot flashes during stopping women’s menses.
*Its seeds are useful for asthma, bones, and muscle inflammation.
In Turkey and Iran, sunflower seeds are used instead of quinine. This amalgamation is called Tinctured.
*It is extremely useful for kidney and urine bladder inflammation.
The existence of nutrients fiber didn’t allow constipation. Plentiful vitamin E of oil is used in dines. Its oil is very useful for heart diseases. Besides that, it is used in cosmetics as emollient.
An abundant quantity of vitamin E is present in small seeds of the sunflower. So once use sunflower seed in your daily food like almond, then see its magnificent effects on your face.
Climate or season change affects facial skin and breaks cells which directly affects facial skin. Vitamin E helps to regenerate and retains these cells. Freshness and charms appear on fave skin because these vitamins and keep skin healthy. It provides hydration to face skin. Research has shown that it provides immunity against children’s skin infection. Daily massage by these oil lowered 40% skin infection of children.
Culinary Uses
At present, sunflower seeds are used mainly to press cooking oil. They are still favored in the confectionery and as bird feed. As in pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds also are popular, tasty, low-fat snack items.
Serving Tips
1. Roasted and salted, they can be enjoyed as a healthy snack.
2. They add crunchiness to salads.
3. Sprinkle sunflower kernels over fried-rice dishes or sautéed vegetables as garnish.
4. The seeds can be coated with chocolate, candied, or added in cakes, and muffins.
5. The seeds can be added to salad dressings, casseroles, or baked goods.
6. Sunflower seed butter, sold as Sun Butter, is a suitable alternative for peanut allergies.
Safety Profile
Sunflower seed allergy is relatively rare, unlike peanut or tree nuts (cashew, walnuts, hazelnut, etc.) allergies. In some susceptible individuals, however, its reactions may include itchiness of the skin, sneezing, itchiness in the eyes, gastritis, vomiting, etc. It is advised, therefore, to avoid the use of seeds in known allergic persons.